Online Gambling Is Not a Solution, But a Source of Economic Instability

Online gambling in Indonesia is no longer just a digital entertainment issue, but has become a serious threat to the economic and social stability of society.

The Head of the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK), Ivan Yustiavandana, warned that if not addressed seriously, the funds circulating from this illegal activity could reach IDR 1,200 trillion by the end of 2025.

“That’s equal to 60 percent of our total state budget,” he said.

More worrying, Ivan said, is the social impact. Of the current 8.8 million online gamblers, 71.6 percent come from groups earning less than IDR 5 million per month, and many are trapped by online loans.

“This figure has increased drastically compared to 2023, when there were only 3.7 million players. This isn’t just about money, but also about the destruction of household lives,” he explained.

PPATK data shows that children and teenagers are also being ensnared. Players aged 10–16 contributed deposits of up to IDR 2.2 billion, those aged 17–19 reached IDR 47.9 billion, and those aged 31–40 dominated with a total of IDR 2.5 trillion.

“Behind these figures are stories of divorce, prostitution, and even suicide due to online gambling debt,” Ivan emphasized. He also noted that 3.8 million players were involved in illegal loans outside the banking system.

The government, through the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi), continues its eradication efforts. From October 2024 to May 2025, 1.3 million pieces of online gambling content have been blocked.

However, a new modus operandi has emerged using the ministry’s name. The Director General of Digital Space Supervision, Alexander Sabar, reminded the public to be cautious and continue combating online gambling.

“We never ask for people’s personal data related to online gambling,” he said.

He reminded the public not to easily trust parties claiming to be from Komdigi.

“Our authority is only to cut off access to illegal content, not to request data or take legal action,” he explained.

Alexander also emphasized the importance of viewing players as victims.

“Online gamblers are victims who need to be healed, not the main perpetrators. It’s the bosses who must be pursued,” he said.

In the education sector, the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Abdul Mu’ti, stated that the school orientation period (MPLS) has been extended to five days to include additional material, including the dangers of online gambling.

“This is part of strengthening character education and raising students’ awareness of the real threats around them,” Abdul concluded.*